The escalation of fires led to the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary temporarily closing the highway between Wabush and Churchill Falls due to the dense smoke and active fire hazards. However, following containment efforts, the highway was reopened to light traffic as of 11:00 p.m. yesterday, with motorists advised to exercise caution and adjust their driving according to prevailing conditions.
Immediate response measures included the deployment of two waterbombers and one helicopter to combat the fires in the Churchill Falls vicinity on Thursday evening. Today, three waterbombers and two helicopters are scheduled for deployment, with a total of four waterbombers and four helicopters dedicated to supporting suppression activities across Labrador. Concurrently, provincial forestry officials have mobilized additional resources, including two helicopters, 10 firefighters, and an Incident Management Team from the Island, reinforcing firefighting efforts in Labrador.
Despite the proximity of the fires to Churchill Falls, there is currently no imminent threat to the community. However, residents are advised to remain vigilant and stay informed through local media channels, as fire conditions can rapidly evolve. Forestry authorities are in constant communication with provincial Fire and Emergency Services, continuously assessing the situation to determine necessary actions in response to the dynamic fire behavior.
The broader context of heightened fire risk in Labrador underscores the importance of caution among residents engaging in outdoor activities, given the presence of seven active forest fires in the region. The Fire Weather Index forecast for today indicates very high and extreme fire risk levels in certain parts of Labrador, necessitating heightened awareness and preventive measures. To facilitate public awareness and preparedness, an online NL Active Wildfire Dashboard has been launched to provide real-time updates on active wildfires, including detailed maps pinpointing fire locations.
As a precautionary measure, all residents are urged to exercise prudence when planning outdoor fires, with a reminder that permits are mandatory for burning vegetation, wood, and paper products during forest fire season. While backyard fires, recreational campfires, and boil-ups are exempt from permitting requirements within specified regulations, adherence to strict Provincial Forest Fire Regulations is essential. Access to daily updated forest fire hazard rating maps on the Department of Fisheries, Forestry, and Agriculture website is recommended for individuals planning outdoor fires, enabling informed decision-making aligned with prevailing fire risk assessments.
